So you are looking for a Spa Day but where do you start?



There are so many Spas offering Spa Days but what is good value for money?

What should I expect from my Spa Day?

How far in advance should I book?

What should I wear?

Are towel robes included?

For my Hen doo I fancy a Spa Day experience is it suitable?

Are there Spa Days for blokes?

There are so many unanswered questions about Spa Days. It seems that everyone is offering them from Health Spas to Health Clubs, from Hotel Spas to Health Farms but I haven’t got a clue where to start. Well it can be a mine field so with over 20 years experience in the Spa industry I will supply some answers and put a few myths to bed.

So you like the idea of Spa Days and all that it involves but where do you start. The first thing you need to consider is just how many of you will be going on the Spa Day. If its one or two guests then you can indulgence in some super packages that can have anything up to four hours of hands on blissful pampering. If you are going alone then great, you don’t have to worry about anyone. If you choose to share your Spa Day experience then you can arrange to have your treatments at the same time which will allow you to enjoy lunch and use of leisure facilities together.

Once your group reaches 3 or more I advise that you have a smaller package. The benefits of this are two fold. One it will be easier to find availability if you all choose a smaller package and two, this will allow you to enjoy lunch together.

So now we get to price....................Spa Days can vary in price from as little as £50 up to £400 per person. The average cost around £150.00. The main difference is cost will be down to the "type" of Spa you choose. At the lower end of the scale Spa Days can be taken at Health Clubs which will offer you leisure and beauty salon these are your cheapest options and venues include Bannatyne`s Health Clubs, Saks Hair & Beauty, David Lloyd, Re-Aqua.

The middle of the road type Spa Days can be found at Hotel Spas, locations such as Marriott, Macdonald, De Vere & Village with locations nationwide then there is sure to be a Hotel with Spa near to you. There will be various Spa Days to choose from and you are sure to find the one perfect for your budget.

Well, if you really want to treat yourself then there are exclusive Spas and Health Farms. Health Farms include venues such as Champneys which is the greatest Spa Group in the world, Ragdale Hall which is very famous amongst many other. Exclusive Spas are very popular in London such as the Sanctuary, Harrods Spa and Decleor`s own Spa. Spa packages will vary in price anything from £150 - £400 for the day.

So they are all good value for money - it just depends on your budget.

Expectations vary from customer to customer but it’s important to be realistic on what to expect on your Spa Day. As a minimum you should expect a courteous greeting on arrival and to be shown around the facilities to include where you will have lunch and where you check in to for your treatments. Facilities should include sauna, steam room, gym and a reasonable restaurant. It’s important to remember that you will not need a big lunch - that’s why spas will not have an extensive menu. Something quick and light is order of the day! Your treatments should be carried out in a professional manner, and remember that you are the boss, so if your massage is too light or too heavy tell the therapists as early on in the treatments as possible so she can adapt to ensure maximum enjoyment.

Spa Days get pre-booked on average 3 weeks in advance. Of course these vary from Spa to Spa but as a rule allow 3 weeks. You may get in quicker but don’t be disappointed if you can’t! Weekends get much busier than midweek, so if it’s a last minute Spa Day you are after then you will have more chance choosing a midweek day.

On your Spa Day experience you will be in and out of your cloths around half a dozen times. Getting changed for treatments, changed for lunch, changed for the gym, changed for the pool. Do yourself a favour, leave your jewellery at home and wear something simple and light. You are NOT there to pose you are there to relax and rejuvenate the more simple you make it, the better. Most Spa Days will provide you with a towel robe. The Health Clubs generally won’t but Hotel Spas, Health Farms and Exclusive Spas will definitely provide you with a towel robe. These a great on the day as you slip in and out of it and even dine in it. You just hand it back on your way out. I would always confirm BEFORE arrival if towel robes are included.

So your about to get married, you don’t want to go out with the cheesy "L" plates and fancy dress and go and get drunk, instead you fancy a sophisticated Spa Day for you, your closest friends and family that of course you must include! Well Hen Groups at Spas are very popular and you will find some great value for money packages. There are many companies that will tailor make your day for you and even arrange for the hen to go free of charge. I recommend www.spaseekers.com they are the experts in this field, very reliable and your day is sure to go without a hitch.

The last questions I get asked frequently is can I take my bloke on a Spa Day. Well the answer is yes, and more and more Spa Days are designed to encourage Men and there really are some fabulous packages out there. Many Spa Day packages will be designed for couples and you can even enjoy your treatments together in the same treatment room for that ultra personalised touch.

I hope this article has answered most of your questions. Here are my recommended websites to help you find the perfect Spa for you.

www.spaseekers.com - Established since 1989, without doubt the leaders in the market. Unbiased advice and guidance and a Free booking service.

www.daystoamaze.co.uk - Launched a few years ago, specialises in various experiences but have a large selection of Spa Days with in their port folio.

www.spalinks.com - A refreshing new website that will put you in touch with your nearest Spa - allows you to ask the questions direct with the Spa. No 3rd party!